Rain-wind/thunderstorm was predicted from September 15 to 20 with occasional gaps in upper parts of the country, said the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Friday.

“Met Office informed that moderate monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to penetrate in upper parts of the country from 15th (evening/night),” said the Pakistan Meteorological Department in a press release.

The Met Office said that a westerly wave was also likely to enter such areas on September 16.

Under the influence of this:

Rain/wind-thunderstorm (with few moderate to isolated heavy falls) were expected in Kashmir, (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit Baltistan (Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera from September 15 (evening/night) to 20 with occasional gaps.

Rain/wind-thunderstorm was also expected in Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Bhakkar from 16th (evening/night) to 18th September with occasional gaps while, in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Umer Kot and Sanghar during the period.

The PMD warned that moderate to heavy falls might increase the water flows in local nullahs/streams of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Galliyat, Murree, Rawalpindi/Islamabad from September 17 to 19.

Moderate to heavy rains might trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra and Abbottabad during the wet spell from September 16 to 19.

It added that prevailing very hot and humid conditions were likely to subside during the spell.

Farmers have been advised to manage their crop activities accordingly. Tourists and travellers have been advised to remain cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the period.

“Wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels, etc. The general public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/lightning/heavy rains,” said the PMD.